Anyone with a camera can be a photographer, but if you want to make a career out of your passion for photography, you'll need to learn how to sell your photos online. Photography is a creative yet challenging field that can be very rewarding if pursued tactfully. There are many ways for selling photography online, and each has its advantages and disadvantages.
In this article, we will discuss seven common ways to sell photography online. With the right platform and some marketing tricks, you can make money from your photography by selling prints, stock photos, or even hosting workshops. Coming further, here are a few best ways to sell photography online that we have specially sorted for you all.
1. Print On Demand
One option for selling your photos online is to use a print-on-demand service. With this option, you upload your photos to a site that can handle the printing and shipping of the orders themselves. This can be a great option if you don't want to deal with the hassle of printing and shipping your photographs. You can also set your prices and keep a larger percentage of the sale. This, undoubtedly, is a great way to make some extra bucks from your photography hobby.
There are a few different print-on-demand services that you can use. One popular option is to use a service like SmugMug. With SmugMug, you can upload your photos and set your prices. They will then handle the printing and shipping of your orders. You could also check out at Mixbook.com if you want to sell photo books, cards, calendars, or home decor. Like the other examples, Mixbook will handle all the printing for you. Another popular option is to use a service like Shutterfly. Shutterfly also allows you to upload your photos and set your prices. They will then handle the printing and shipping of your orders. Similarly, there are various print-on-demand service providers that you can benefit from.
2. Create Downloadable Photos
Another option for selling your photos online is to create downloadable files. This can be a great option if you have a lot of photos that you want to sell but don't want to deal with the hassle of shipping physical prints.
When you create downloadable files, you'll need to ensure that they are high-quality and in a format that is easy to download. You'll also need to create a sales page where people can purchase the files. There are a few things you can do to make sure your photos are high quality and ready to be downloaded.
For free download service, there are many sessions in which you can create a photo gallery for large social events, such as weddings or communions, where the hosts have already paid for your photographic service and want to offer their guests the possibility to download certain images of the event. This way, everyone can have access to the photos and cherish the memories for years to come!
3. Print Yourself
As a photographer, you have a lot of options when it comes to selling photography online. You can upload them to a stock photo site, sell them through a third-party service, or even print them yourself and sell them directly to your customers. Printing your photos has a lot of benefits. You can control the quality of the prints and the packaging, ensuring that your photos look their best. Plus, you can create your shipping materials, so you can be sure your prints arrive safely at their destination.
If you're looking to make the most of your photography skills, printing your photos is the way to go. You'll be able to maximize your profits by selling directly to customers, and you'll have complete control over the quality of your product.
4. More Channels For Selling Photos Online
With so many different sites to choose from, it can get hard to know where to start selling your captured photographs online. Therefore, we have listed the three best platforms for you. Experts at Assignment Assistance listed down some of the best-selling channels for the photographers. Let’s have a look at them.
- Getty Images
If you're looking to sell your photos to the highest bidder, Getty Images is the place to go. This stock photo agency is one of the most popular in the world, and they're always on the lookout for new talent.
- Shutterstock
Shutterstock is another great option for selling your photos online. This stock photo agency is also one of the most popular in the world.
- iStock
iStock is an excellent option for selling your photos online. This stock photo agency is a ranking agency, and they're always ready to welcome creative minds.
5. The Power Of Social Media For Selling Your Photography
Being a photographer, you may be wondering how social media can help you in selling photography online. The answer is simple: social media is a powerful tool that can help you reach a wider audience and sell your photos more easily.
Here are some tips on how to use social media to sell your photography:
- One of the best ways to sell your photography is to showcase your work on social media. Use platforms like Instagram and Facebook to share your photos and reach a pool of potential clients.
- Another great way to sell your photography is to connect with potential buyers through social media. Use platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn to connect with people who may be interested in purchasing your photos.
- In addition to using social media to showcase your work and connect with potential buyers, you can also use it to promote your photography business. Use Facebook and Instagram stories and bio to share your business information.
- Last but not least, don't forget to use social media to stay in touch with your customers. Share updates about your store and connect with your customers on a personal level.
6. Build Your Own WordPress Site To Sell Photographs
Another exceptional option for selling photography online is to set up your WordPress site. This option gives you a lot of control over the look and feel of your site and how you sell your photos. When you build a WordPress site, you'll need to choose a theme, install plugins, and set up your payment gateway.
You'll also need to create a portfolio of your work and write blog posts about your photography. With a WordPress site, you can tailor the entire experience to your own needs and preferences. Plus, you can easily change things as you go along, which is great for keeping your site up-to-date and responsive to your audience.
7. Creating An eCommerce Store To Sell Photography
If you want to sell your photos online, one option is to create an eCommerce store. This option allows you to sell your photos as digital files or as prints. When you create an eCommerce store, you'll need to choose a platform, set up your payment gateway, and add your products. You'll also need to create a marketing plan to drive traffic to your store. The process of setting up an online store can be a bit daunting, but you can always ask for help.
Conclusion
These are just a few options for selling your photos online. However, the best way depends on your work, niches, goals, and audience. No matter what option you choose, you'll need to put in some hard work to make it successful. But if you're passionate about photography, it will be worth putting all the effort in.
I hope this post will help you understand some ways with which you can start selling your photos online in an innovative manner. I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors and hope you can make it through the internet. Share your experience with us and drop us any suggestions in the comments section below.
FAQS
How can I make money from my photos?
Here are some ways to make money from your photos.
- Participate in photo contests.
- Sell out your prints.
- Go for freelance photography.
- Work for a Magazine or Newspaper.
- Sell or license your photos on Stock Photography websites.
- Create your own website and sell your photos.
- Market your photos on social media.
How much money can I make through selling photos online?
Stock photographers can make $0.02 for an image per month with stock photos. Whereas professional photographers can make $0.05 to 0.25 for an image per month. Royalty-free sales can help you earn $0.10 to $99.50 per photo. On the other hand, extended licenses can bring up to $500. On average, stock photo agencies pay $0.32 for a royalty-free image per sale.
Is it worth selling my photographs on Shutterstock?
Shutterstock is one of the most popular agencies which works for most stock photographers and illustrators. It outperforms all the other agencies in the market. If you are planning to be a microstock photographer, Shutterstock should be on the top of your list. You can start your earnings from 15% but can get as high as 40%.
Can I sell photos from my mobile phone?
Yes, you can make money online by selling smartphone images on various android and iOS apps. Some of the best apps to sell your photos include,
- EyeEm
- Foap
- Scoopshot
- Dreamstime
- Snapwire
- Stockimo
- Twenty20
- Shutterstock Contributor
This article was written by Claudia Jeffrey, who is currently working as an Editor at Crowd Writer, where she helps students with dissertation writing services. Claudia is a solo traveller and loves nature photography. She often blogs at Word Count Jet. She utilizes her leisure time by reading technology articles and trying new recipes at home.
